Big Ideas on the Big Island II
In 2004 member ,Julie Wrigley and Dr. Michael Crow, President of Arizona State University founded the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Institute of Sustainability. The mission is to improve well being for people and the planet for present and future generations. Unlike other universities, sustainability is a defining value at ASU–they reach virtually every student and engage over 385 scientists and scholars to solve social, economic and environmental sustainability issues. They are now launching a global consortium of universities and research institutes that will scale sustainability solutions to world wide sustainability problems.
GIOS in Hawaii
At the heart of Hawaiian values is the concept of Malama Aina. “to care for the land.” These words are strong and present with those who live close to this precious land and appreciate this way of being. Hawaiii has an unprecedented opportunity to advance the global agenda for greater sustainability. Islands face sustainability issues in food, water, and energy long before the rest of the planet, and the state of Hawaiii has a rare but vital political and social consensus to address these challenges. At ASU sustainability is a value, a discipline, a process, and a destination. ASU is eager to participate in Hawaii’s momentum as a model for others to follow.
This week the second Big Ideas on the Big Island is being held. Numerous speakers both from ASU and the Big Island share their ideas. Members of the Hawaiian community as well as members of Hualalai join in the sessions.
Dr. Michael Crow, President of ASU addresses the gathering.
Try Wait Leader Shares a Very Important Project at Monday Night Mooch
Monday Mooch the Hawaiian Heritage Society presented the program of TRY WAIT. This is a sustainability project led by numerous individuals who lived and/or used the Kaupulehu land for generations. The project is to develop a ten year NO FISHING zone for our waterfront as well as Kukio’s and Kona Village and KD North. The urgency for this project is because the waters have been over fished and the coral reefs are stressed and in danger of dying. After a ten year moratorium fishing would resume but controlled. This project had a public local/county hearing recently and a few of our members/residents supported the program in writing. 70 people testified in person to support the proposal. Only four spoke against it. Next month there will be a state hearing that will be more contentious because residents of the Big Island have to fly over to Honolulu to testify and the fishing companies will be attending to fight the project. Verne Yamanaka, a founding member here and the leader of the TRY WAIT project, shared with the members the need for our support. As the time gets closer for the hearing we will share how you can participate. Our input and support as Hualalai and Kaupulehu residents is very helpful to the cause.
Verne Yamanaka sharing the issues around TRY WAIT to members at the mooch.
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